Kohima: Zunheboto’s 80th Independence Day celebration was a subdued affair this Saturday. A student boycott left the District Sports Council Ground sparsely populated. The venue also suffered from muddy, waterlogged patches due to recent rain. Attendance was noticeably thin.
Public Health Engineering and Cooperation Minister Jacob Zhimomi served as the special guest for the event. He toured exhibition stalls set up by six local departments and medical camps for Jan Sunwai and Mission Vatsalya. During his inspection, Zhimomi addressed the poor state of the venue. He said the matter should be discussed with the concerned MLA and the relevant authorities so that waterlogging does not continue to hamper the smooth conduct of programmes at the ground.
The march-past, usually packed with school contingents, was limited to three groups: the District Executive Force, the 8th NAP Battalion at Naltoqa, and local Ex-Servicemen. Assistant Commandant Bokivi of the 8th NAP Battalion led the parade. The lack of students stemmed from a directive issued August 13 by the All Sümi Students’ Union, which was followed by a non-compliance advisory from the Zunheboto Range Students’ Union on August 14.
Civil society representatives remained seated during the National Song. They stood for the National Anthem. The All Sümi Students’ Union maintains this stance is based on religious conscience rather than opposition to the National Flag or the country itself. The union claims it holds national symbols in high regard while defending individual conscience and cultural identity.
Despite the empty bleachers, the official program proceeded. The day included district awards for the Home Guard, Civil Defence, and SDRF, alongside 18 individuals from various departments. Eight local farmers received cash prizes and certificates. Lighi K Awomi of GHSS Zunheboto performed a special number, and the Sümi Totimi Loka presented a women’s folk dance.
Nitokali V Chishi and Achok M Konyak compered the event. Afternoon activities shifted away from the grounds. The Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce and Industries visited the Hezukhu Memorial District Hospital. The State Bank of India main branch visited the district jail, and the Social Welfare Department visited Mount Carmel Home Orphanage at Sukhalu village. The day ended with a football match between DC XI and Sümi Hoho XI, followed by the beating of retreat by the District Executive Force.
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